Ouchie OrigamiAbout Spencer Thornock
Software architect with 20+ years of experience building high-performance web applications. Creator of The Ouchie Method and founder of Ouchie Origami, combining technical expertise with a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Spencer Thornock
Co-Founder / Director of Engineering
I'm a software architect and engineering leader based in Phoenix, Arizona with over 20 years of experience in JavaScript application development. Throughout my career, I've led teams of 20+ developers, built interactive experiences for brands like Pepsi, Disney, Walmart, and Subway, and architected solutions from HTML5 engines to Web3 platforms.
My passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu led me to create Ouchie Origami and The Ouchie Method—a systematic approach to journaling and tracking your BJJ journey. I believe that the same principles that make great software (iteration, feedback loops, systematic improvement) apply directly to martial arts training.
Our Mission
To help Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners at every level develop systematic training habits through purposeful journaling and reflection. We believe that tracking your journey—the wins, the losses, the techniques that clicked and those that didn't—is essential to accelerated growth.
The Ouchie Method combines proven learning science with practical BJJ knowledge to create a framework that fits seamlessly into your training routine. Whether you're a white belt just starting out or a seasoned competitor, our tools help you train smarter and progress faster.
Our Goals
Give every BJJ student the tools to take ownership of their learning journey, regardless of academy, instructor, or training schedule.
Create sustainable journaling and reflection practices that become as natural as your warm-up routine.
Provide clear visibility into your growth over time, highlighting patterns, breakthroughs, and areas needing attention.
Apply proven learning science to martial arts training, helping you absorb and retain techniques more effectively.
The Ouchie Guarantee
We're committed to helping you improve. If our methods don't work for you, we'll make it right.
- Actionable techniques you can apply immediately in training
- Worksheets and tools designed by practitioners, for practitioners
- Continuous updates based on community feedback and new research
My Journey
A timeline of key milestones and experiences
Promoted to BJJ Black Belt
Achieved Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Luis Freire at Gracie Barra Ahwatukee, Phoenix. Culmination of 7+ years of dedicated training and competition.
Founder, Ouchie Origami
Created The Ouchie Method for BJJ journaling and training progress tracking. Building a comprehensive learning management system to help practitioners systematically improve their grappling skills.
Promoted to BJJ Brown Belt
Earned Brown Belt under Professor Luis Freire. Continued competitive success with multiple gold medals at IBJJF and Compnet tournaments.
Co-Founder / Director of Engineering, Epic Digital
Leading engineering efforts at Epic Digital, specializing in interactive media and high-availability edge nanoservice platforms. Also working on blockchain architecture and Web3 applications at Dreadnought Web3.
Promoted to BJJ Purple Belt
Promoted to Purple Belt under Professor Luis Freire at Gracie Barra Ahwatukee. Began competing at IBJJF events including Pan Championships.
Promoted to BJJ Blue Belt
Earned Blue Belt under Professor Luis Freire. Started competitive journey with first tournament medals at Gracie Barra and IBJJF events.
Started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
Began training at Gracie Barra Ahwatukee in Phoenix, Arizona. The start of a transformative journey that would combine engineering discipline with martial arts.
Director of Interactive Applications, PrizeLogic
Led a front-end team of 20+ developers, architecting solutions for major brands including Pepsi, Disney, Walmart, and Subway. Maintained an active production role while mentoring team members.
Interactive Developer to Associate Director, PrizeLogic
Progressed from Interactive Developer to Associate Interactive Director. Core member of the HTML5 interactive engine development team, establishing adaptive standards for mobile development.
Owner / Developer, MPS: Media Paradigm Solutions
Founded and operated a white-label development agency providing user interface development and custom implementations for marketing, design, and private companies.
Professional Experience
Ouchie Origami
- Designed and built the LMS platform using Next.js, TypeScript, and Supabase
- Created The Ouchie Method curriculum for BJJ journaling
- Developed worksheet generation system and progress tracking tools
Epic Digital | Interactive Media
- Software architecture for high-availability edge nanoservice platforms
- Leading engineering strategy and team development
- Blockchain architecture and Web3 application development
Dreadnought Web3
- Smart Contract Development and Architecture
- Full Stack Web3 Applications (Crypto, DeFi, NFTs)
- Blockchain strategy and decentralized application design
PrizeLogic / Nomadic Agency
- Led front-end team of 20+ developers building interactive experiences
- Architected solutions for major brands: Pepsi, Disney, Walmart, Subway
- Responsible for day-to-day team operations, education, and support
PrizeLogic / Nomadic Agency
- Transitioned from developer to leadership role
- Mentored junior developers and established best practices
- Led technical architecture decisions for client projects
PrizeLogic / Nomadic Agency
- Lead developer on large-scale interactive campaigns
- HTML5 interactive engine development team member
- Established adaptive standards for mobile development
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey
Training at Gracie Barra Ahwatukee under Professor Luis Freire
Training since 2017
Competition Record
Notable Competitions
- IBJJF Pan Championship (2021)
- IBJJF Master International Championship - Las Vegas (2024)
- IBJJF Phoenix International Open (Multiple years)
- Compnet USA National Championships
- Compnet Western Regional Championship
Belt Progression
Education
University of Advancing Technology
Studied computer animation and digital design, building a foundation in visual media and interactive technologies.
The Refrigeration School, Inc.
EPA Universal Certified in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Skills & Expertise
Certifications
Gracie Barra / Professor Luis Freire
2024Gracie Barra
2025Triplebyte
2021The Refrigeration School, Inc.
2007